Diagnostic Services at our Family Medical Center

Overview

Rawlins County Health Center is a critical access hospital with 24 licensed beds. We are proud to offer a wide variety of diagnostic services and capabilities to help our providers make timely and accurate diagnoses. With our electronic medical record system, patients can have their lab work, x-rays, MRIs or any other exam or outpatient services performed at RCHC and have the results sent through secure electronic transmission to the provider of their choice. Also, we have the capability for outside physicians to view exam images over the web immediately after the exam is complete. If this is something that your physician is interested in, they can contact RCHCs radiology department.

Computed Tomography (CT) is used to visualize certain regions of your body using cross-sectional imaging. CT scanning combines special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels are used to diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. RCHC’s advanced 16-slice CT system provides quality images to help physicians make a more accurate diagnosis. This valuable service is available for routine and emergency exams.

DEXA or bone densitometry measures bone mineral density and bone loss (osteoporosis) in men and women. A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurement is a powerful predictor of skeletal strength and fracture risk. This service is available with our in house DEXA scanner which aids in diagnosis and inpatient management decisions.

Computed Radiography is a computerized x-ray system that provides high-resolution images. These images can be altered, enhanced, and also magnified to improve diagnostic evaluation. Our x-ray system is integrated with a computerized Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) that provides immediate image access to our physicians and to a staff of radiologists in Kearney, NE.

EKG or Electrocardiogram is an electrical tracing of the heart. EKGs are performed to rule out any cardiac events or arrhythmias. The EKG system is critical in detecting a heart attack and in life-saving treatments.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and sophisticated computer software to produce remarkably clear pictures of your head, spine, and other parts of your body. An MRI is typically used to find problems such as tumors, bleeding, infection, and injury. Our mobile MRI has an ultra short design that allows more patients to be scanned with their head outside the tube. MRI exams are available at RCHC each week.

Digital Mammography uses x-rays to produce an image of the breast that is then displayed on a computer monitor that has advanced software, allowing the image to be manipulated and magnified for optimal evaluation. Some advances of digital mammography over film mammography include decreased compression time and a reduction in radiation dose. Mammography is a mobile service of Hays Medical Center that is available once a month.

Nuclear Medicine can provide accurate images that aid in the study of organs and tissues and how they work in order to diagnose disease. Nuclear medicine uses a very small amount of radioactive contrast, which shows abnormalities that can be detected by a camera. The scans are safe with about the same dose as common x-ray. Nuclear medicine can help determine the presence or progression of cancer, analyze heart, kidney, and gallbladder function and disease, scan lungs for respiratory and blood flow problems and more. Nuclear medicine is available every two weeks at RCHC.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to produce images of organs, veins, and arteries. The microphone-shaped transducer is moved across the area of interest on the body in order to obtain images from various angles. Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart that displays the structure, function, and blood flow patterns on a screen without the use of x-rays. Ultrasound is available twice per week.

For more information about RCHC’s diagnostic services and programs, contact us today.